Day 1

The Hobbit Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

1

Why doesn't Bilbo want to go with the dwarves? Why does he change his mind?

(3 minutes)

Bilbo is deeply influenced by Hobbit-culture's notions of propriety and social acceptability. Though his mother, Belladonna Took, had an adventurous spirit, Bilbo thinks he takes after his homebody father instead. But Gandalf knows that Bilbo has more to offer, and can be inspired by songs and stories. Bilbo has a terrific love of storytelling and a wonderful imagination, and it is these qualities that allow him to see himself as heroic enough to go questing with thirteen strange dwarves.

2

Describe the characteristics of a hobbit. How is Bilbo different from other hobbits?